First presented at
Shanghai’s V Art Centre in 2013, The Dissident- now joined by the work of
Brighton-based artist Jim Sanders- searches for proximity in the work of two
artists placed at a distance culturally, artistically and geographically.Instigated by Shanghai-
based artist Zhou Ming, the exhibition permits him to define as a dissident in
the name of finding a more specific definition of his individual significance,
personally, politically and artistically.The inherent conflicts
embedded in the search for an individuality devoid of narcissism has informed the
work in this exhibition, with Sanders’ imagery convulsing in the extremes of an
over indulged society and Zhou Ming’s answering with the haunting phantoms of
societal suppression. The futility of
dissenting from an unclear ideology is compared here with the very real danger
of being labelled a dissenter, this begs the question: can we ever really
surpass authority’s control over self-construction.A conversation in
exchange, the exhibition will create a lasting cultural dialogue between
Brighton and Shanghai and is accompanied by a program of related events to
discuss, in person, the motivations of the artists and curators for
collaborating on a project of this kind.Born in Harbin (China)
Zhou Ming is currently living and working in Shanghai as an independent artist.
He primarily works in animation, installation and painting. Jim Sanders lives and
works in Brighton and has exhibited work extensively across Europe. Affiliated
with outsider art, Sanders’ work consists of painting, printing, collage,
constructed sculpture and murals. For more information see:
www.brightonshanghai.wordpress.com@DissidentBTN_SHNotes to editors:Curated by Bethan
Troakes (Brighton) and Chao Jiaxing (V Art Centre, Shanghaiwww.vartcenter.com);
featuring the work of Zhou Ming (Shanghai) and Jim Sanders (Brighton, www.jimsanders-sans.com).Venue: Brighton Media Centre, 15-17
Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1ALDates: 07/02/15 – 15/02/15Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm dailyAdmission: FREEFor more information and
press images, contact Bethan Troakes: brightonshanghai@gmail.com, 07756837050Accompanying program of events: (FREE
admission)Panel talk with Q&A- participating
artists and curators08/02/15- 2:30pmGuided tours with artists and curator09/02/15- 6:30pm10/02/15- 6:30pm“Ghost Faces” artist workshop with Jim
Sanders12/02/15- 6:30pm